Volunteering Progress

Snowdonia Society

The Snowdonia Society would like to see a National Park in which the unique and irreplaceable qualities, on which the economy depends, are proudly protected by thriving and cohesive communities that have adapted to climate change.

The Snowdonia Society is a registered charity working to protect, enhance and celebrate Snowdonia, its wildlife and heritage. The Society works with local communities, organisations and businesses to achieve this vision.

http://www.snowdonia-society.org.uk/

Yesterday I e-mailed the Snowdonia Society to offer my services as a volunteer.  Today I received a very speedy and friendly reply from Bea.  Once you've volunteered they e-mail you with events, as and when they are arranged. 

In my e-mail I mentioned that I was an ML(Summer).  Anyway, it seems that they have some sort of walking event planned for Saturday 5th May, to coincide with the official opening of the All Wales Coastal Path, so wondered if I fancied helping with that - of course I said yes!  Not sure about the details as yet, but I'll keep you posted as and when details become available.

OPAL (Open Air Laboratories)

The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) network is an exciting initiative that is open to anyone with an interest in nature.

We aim to create and inspire a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment. In 2007 OPAL received a grant of £11.75million from the Big Lottery Fund

http://www.opalexplorenature.org/


I discovered the OPAL website last year when  I was looking for surveys that young people could take part in.  Currently there are 6 different surveys available for anyone to participate in.  These are:
Soil and Earthworm Survey
Air Survey
Climate Survey
Biodiversity Survey
Water Survey
Bugs Count Survey

The website contains detailed information about the need for surveys and what OPAL hopes to do with the results.  The best part is that there are step by step guides for each survey, with workbooks/sheets for collating results.  Any identification guides required are also included.

You are able to register online with OPAL and enter all your results electronically.  You can then see your own personal record for the results you have sent in.  These results are then added to the overall survey results, which can also be seen online.

This may sound very complicated, but the site is very friendly and tries to encourage children to participate.  There are even class resources for Teachers.

I recommend having a look at the website, especially if you have children and enjoy the outdoors.  It may inspire you to have a go at one of the surveys as a family activity or as part of a day out.  My eldest son has recently registered with OPAL and hopes to start taking part regularly in several of the surveys as part of his Bronze DofE award.

I too have registered with OPAL and will be sending in results for the Climate and Air Surveys whenever I can.